October in a Nutshell

I fought off the urge to post Christmas happenings since I knew darn well that I was about two months behind. Obviously blogging has taken the back seat in my life, or better said it's in the trunk now, but I do want to post these memories for my little ones sake since Lord knows I don't have time to journal. I truly do want to but so do I desire to craft and sew and organize and decorate and make soap and oh I think you get the picture. Our days have been full and October was no exception. As I looked through the tons of photos from the month trying to choose which ones to preserve on this blog I smiled at the realization of my life at it's current state. I have been blessed with three kooky kids who love each other dearly and have so much fun living life together. I am so grateful that Maggie is reaching the age where she likes to be right in the middle of whatever it is they are doing. Although it still saddens me knowing the baby days are nearly over, I am excited for what's to come. As she gets older it is easier for us to venture out and do more big kid stuff. And there is more freedom that little babes just don't give as cute and sweet and snuggly as they might be. But regardless I'm hanging onto each and every baby moment by a thread. Not wanting to let go but knowing the fun times that are ahead when I do.


I love this picture of Fletch in his cape and sword. But more so I love that I have learned to let my boys be boys.

These two Knights wouldn't let anyone harm this little princess

Maggie LOVES... her big brothers just about as much as they love her

If you know Fletch then you know that he can't keep a serious face for long!

This is what I mean by Kooky. They are lucky I love them anyway!

Loving the freedom to allow our babe to sit in the hay as we stuff our scarecrow.

Not loving that the mosquitoes won't just leave her sweet cheeks alone!

Daddy hung an overly large tire from an old oak. This little boy thinks it's pretty cool.

What I notice and love about this picture:

Colton wearing his Halloween Knight shirt from 4 years ago. Fletcher in a Jack Sparrow vest shirt with a Zorro mask and a different gun in each hand. All while watching his big brother remove the hook from a bass.

This picture is one of those that will forever bring me back to this time in our life.

When we'd be in the middle of school and the kids would declare a dress up break time.

Then dress up would suddenly be interrupted by the urge to run out to the pond and catch a fish or two.

*in the rain*

they painted some pretty spooky skulls

and baby got to model it for everyone

I take loads and loads of photos at the pumpkin patch

Always have always will

Pumpkins just make me happy. Especially the funny looking ones.

Fletcher truly adores his baby sister. I wish I could capture it more on camera than I do.

It's so nice having another mommy always on hand and ready to step in my place

the stem sold us right away

Sometimes I catch Maggie just sitting still taking it all in. Especially as she watches her big brothers and sister play. I know she'll be so happy when she can keep up.

this man's got talent!

she looked so proud of her pumpkin

The ones who came home with us. The pumpkins too.

We went to a crazy hair party. I forgot to take photos before we left for the party so this is after we got home late that night.


The wall of ghouls. I love Maggie Mae's little bitty foot print up there.

Fletch fell asleep in the car on the ride home from the crazy hair (and eyebrow :) party so he woke up the next morning looking extra groovy ;)

yummy desserts were made by Suzanne and Katie

miss m

Have you ever seen a cuter Ninja Turtle? I didn't think so ;)

This is about as creepy as the smith family gets

Gracie and I planned out the details for this costume and made it together. When I look at this picture not only do I see a beautiful peacock, but I see beautiful memories that my daughter and I made together.

We're ready for some trick or treating followed by a very special 1st birthday the very next morn!